The Application Process for a Student Visa

When an applicant is applying for a student visa, there are many visa requirements that the individual should keep in mind. Visa requirements vary depending on what type of visas one wishes to obtain. There are many things that an applicant should consider while applying for a student visa.

An individual should not apply for a student visa until they are accepted at a United States school. This is because one visa requirement for obtaining a student visa says that being accepted at a USCIS-approved (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services-approved) school is necessary. This visa requirement exists because the school is then required to send the student a form called Form I-20; once completed by both the student and the school, this form will help the school track the student visa statuses of their students.

As the application process continues, there are other necessary forms that a student must submit as a visa requirement. They are called Form DS-156 and Form DS-158, and can be downloaded from the Internet. Someone applying for a student visa should keep in mind that the completed forms must be brought in person when going to an interview with a ambassadorial or consular representative. One must not attempt to mail in either form.

There are other visa requirements that will be brought to an applicant's attention before the interview, giving them time to prepare them as part of their necessary visa requirements. The applicant may be asked to provide any transcripts or diplomas received from previous educational institutions. Standardized test scores may also be required. The USCIS and the school that the applicant will be attending will both need financial evidence showing that the individual or a sponsor can pay living expenses and tuition while residing in the United States. Proof of that may come in the form of tax documents or bank statements. If self-employed, an applicant can show business registrations and licenses.

Another visa requirement is an acceptable passport photograph and must be supplied by the applicant. Also needed is a receipt proving that all application fees have been paid. A United States student visa can only be issued 120 days or less in advance of date of registration. If an applicant decides to file before those 120 days, visa requirements dictate that the application will be held until the visa status is current.